6 Things You Need to Know to Create a Successful Marketing Strategy in 2023
I’ve said it before (I’m sure I’ll say it again) …
... without a solid marketing plan your business will always struggle to make enough money.
Marketing might not be your favorite part of freelancing or running a business — but it’s not going anywhere.
“Marketing doesn’t have to be scary. It’s literally just how you increase VISIBILITY so your services can be seen by new clients.”
And for the record, I don’t think you need to be in ALL the places to create enough visibility for your small business… especially if you’re a solopreneur or have less than 5 employees.
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The world of online marketing is always growing and changing, and new platforms are fighting for YOUR attention. They are constantly evolving in an effort to attract new users.
So what does that mean for you?
It means you need to be crystal clear on your own vision and goals, so you don’t get distracted by “shiny” distractions.
Here’s what you need to know to create a successful marketing strategy this year:
#1 → Your product or service needs to solve a REAL problem that people are willing to pay money to solve.
Before you map out any kind of marketing plan, make sure you've identified the one problem you can solve for your clients - so you can share that solution in your marketing. You might be a photographer who helps families preserve their memories or a VA who creates organizational systems for busy entrepreneurs. Simple as that.
Sure, some “problems” are more of a WANT than a NEED - but you’re still providing your ideal clients with something they’re looking for… aka solving their problem.
Keep in mind: The more you can position your service as a NEED, the easier it will be to sell. Figure out how you can help people feel better, make money, save money, save time, save frustration, or improve their life in some way!
#2 → You don’t have to be EVERYWHERE.
You might be stuck because you’re trying to model your marketing plan after someone with a much different (larger) business plan than yours. My advice: Get really good at ONE marketing platform before you start adding in new ones.
Think about this. If you’re a freelancer who needs to make $60,000 this year (that’s $5k/month) you only need to sell your $1000 service 5 times/ month. I promise you don’t need to spend HOURS creating content plans for Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok… just to sign 5 clients each month.
Pick one platform and get really good at it. I might be a little biased, but I’m going to recommend Pinterest. It’s a search engine vs social media, which means your content lives forever and works WAY harder for you!
#3 → People buy from people.
I can’t stress this enough. Yes it’s about the thing you’re selling (and the problem you’re solving) but newsflash, the internet is huge. There’s guaranteed to be someone else solving that problem in their own way. The deciding factor for a buyer is almost always– YOU.
This doesn’t mean you have to share your whole life on social media. It simply means you have to put the time in to build connection and trust with your audience.
#4 → Outsourcing is your BFF.
You might be scared to let someone else help you grow your business (and that’s ok, normal even). But doing everything yourself is the fastest way to burnout – which I promise you don’t want to do!
If you like doing your own marketing – great! But find something else to outsource (inbox management, admin, design, bookkeeping, you get the point). If you actually hate the idea of marketing your business – you guess it. Outsource that shit!
“Outsource that shit!”
The truth is, someone out there LOVES marketing for creative business owners and freelancers, and that person could take this whole thing off your plate so you can focus on the things you love doing…
#5 → Know WHO your dream client is.
I can’t tell you how many people I’ve talked to who say “everyone can use this service” or “anyone who wants to buy it” when I ask them about their dream client… and my response is always: “wrong” and “wrong”.
Honestly, if you try to please everybody you’ll end up pleasing NOBODY. Narrow it down and figure out who you’re talking to… that way you can understand what they’re looking for. Need help wrapping your head around this part?
The Booking Magic Templates come with a bonus workbook that helps you figure out your Dream Client!
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#6 → Don’t be boring.
Copying other people is the fastest way to create content. Copy, paste, send and you’re done. But guess what? It’s boring and your clients can see straight through it.
Spend some time adding your own personality, experiences, and unique perspective to your marketing. It takes a little more time, but it will pay off!
What do you think? Anything surprise you about these 6 tips?
6 Things You Need to Know to Create a Successful Marketing Strategy
Without a solid marketing plan your business will always struggle to make enough money. Marketing might not be your favorite part of freelancing or running a business — but it’s not going anywhere!
